Molecular Biology - The Portal to Biotechnology

Suppose a researcher wants a cell to produce a particular protein—say, Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP). Now that we understand the central dogma, the researcher's path is pretty straight forward. First, the researcher would need a copy of the gene, usually from an existing source, like jellyfish DNA. There are many ways to insert the gene into a cell, and more ways are being explored. Let's say for now that the researcher puts the GFP gene on a plasmid (a circular piece of DNA that is self-replicating in a cell). To cut-and-paste a piece of DNA, scientists use restriction enzymes, which are like molecular scissors. They recognize specific sequences of the DNA alphabet and sever double stranded DNA in predictable ways. DNA ligase is like the glue, that bonds strands back together. 

Where it all begins - DNA

DNA, known to biochemistry geeks and molecular biologists as Deoxyribonucleic acid. 

DNA Stores Information

This is the information center of the cell. It contains instructions for the cell that describe how to reproduce, how to communicate, how to maintain itself, how to eat, how to sleep—put simply, what the inputs and outputs of the cell should be.  The DNA performs the same function in a cell that blueprints,  and managers play in  a factory. Blueprints determine how the machinery is put together, and managers  decide which machines and hardware to keep in the factory. DNA provides both functions by determining which proteins are created, and how those proteins are structured. 

Biotechnology - the Alien World Inside

To understand biotechnology, it's best to start by understanding the "bio" part before moving on to the "technology".  

Building Blocks

As diverse as life on earth is, ranging from tiny bacteria to blue whales and aspen clonal colonies, there are simple organizational rules that tie everything together. Life is made up of building blocks that are shared by everything from ancient dinosaurs to paleontologists.

Don't Freak Out

We'll discuss what those building blocks are, so that the "technology" later on will make sense. If you're thinking "I hated third period biology precisely because I didn't get all that biochemistry mumbo jumbo!" don't bail on me now.